September 12, 2025

Gibbs High School Commemorates Players Lost to Tragedy

News Summary

Gibbs High School is set to honor the memory of two football players, Vincent Williams and Robert Newton, who tragically died from a lightning strike during practice. A memorial game against Northeast High School will commemorate their legacy. The event highlights the community’s resilience and ongoing dedication to player safety, as protocols were updated in response to the incident. New head coach Herbans Paul aims to educate young athletes on the school’s history and the sacrifices made by their predecessors.

St. Petersburg, Florida – This Sunday marks the 55th anniversary of a tragic incident at Gibbs High School, where two football players lost their lives due to a lightning strike during practice. The school plans to honor the memory of Vincent Williams and Robert Newton through a memorial game against Northeast High School, acknowledging the profound impact this tragedy has had on the community.

The stormy practice occurred in September 1970, abruptly claiming the lives of Williams and Newton, members of the Gibbs Gladiators football team, when a lightning bolt struck their huddle without warning. Witnesses recounted the experience, with team captain Norvell Fuller observing the scene unfold from the sidelines. Julian Henderson, who was also in the huddle, suffered temporary paralysis as a result of the incident. Remarkably, the team’s former assistant coach, Thomas “Jet” Jackson, attempted to resuscitate both players before additional help arrived.

In the aftermath, the remaining Gladiators chose to finish their season in honor of their fallen teammates, demonstrating remarkable strength and resilience. Today, the names of Vincent Williams and Robert Newton are commemorated on a sign above the concession stand at the Newton-Williams Memorial Stadium, serving as a continuous reminder to current players and fans of the team’s significant history.

This year, new head coach Herbans Paul is dedicated to keeping this legacy alive. He believes that educating young players about the school’s past is fundamental and aims to ensure that they recognize and honor the sacrifices made by those who came before them on the field. Coach Paul emphasizes that the focus will not solely be on game strategies, but also on instilling a sense of responsibility and pride among players regarding their school’s heritage.

The upcoming memorial game is expected to see participation from approximately 40 to 50 family members of the late players, who will be part of a special coin toss ceremony to celebrate the lives of Williams and Newton. This commemorative event highlights the community’s ongoing effort to remember the tragedy and the lessons learned from it.

The incident led to significant changes in safety protocols in schools across Florida, notably the installation of lightning detection systems in educational facilities. These measures were implemented to enhance the safety of students and athletes during outdoor activities, ensuring that no similar tragedies occur in the future.

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ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER The ST PETERSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREStPetersburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in St Petersburg, Pinellas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Localtopia, and SHINE Mural Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce and St. Pete Downtown Partnership, plus leading businesses in finance, manufacturing, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Raymond James Financial, Jabil, and Bayfront Health St. Petersburg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.

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